2014 Lincoln MKS

Lincoln is Ford’s luxury brand, and most Lincoln models are fancier, quieter versions of existing Ford SUVs. The Lincoln Navigator, for example, is based on the Ford Expedition, and the Lincoln Corsair is based on the Ford Escape. Some models are available as hybrids. Lincoln SUVs tend to come with standard leather seating surfaces, large screens, and sound deadening. That interior quality paired with lively powertrains have earned some models Consumer Reports’ recommendation. Lincoln stopped building sedans when it discontinued the Continental and MKZ in 2020. As a brand, for new and used car reliability, road-test scores, and owner satisfaction ratings, Lincoln tends to be average.

The MKS feels out of step with the automaker's more impressive, recent models. This large, Ford Taurus-based sedan is powered by a choice of thrashy, unrefined 3.7-liter V6 or a potent 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6. For its size, the cabin feels decidedly cave-like, exaggerated by the limited outward visibility. The ride-something a luxury car should be good at-is neither isolating enough nor adequately composed. The infotainment system makes a notable update to Sync 3 for 2016. Despite the trunk's size, a small opening limits its usefulness. The outdated and outclassed MKS was replaced by the stylish, all-new Continental in 2017.